Multiple cavernous angiomas of the cauda equina. Case report

An 18-year-old male presented with multiple cavernous angiomas of the cauda equina manifesting as acute onset of severe low back pain radiating into the bilateral legs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 20 mm by 15 mm nonenhanced, heterogeneous intensity intradural mass at the L-1 level, which had completely obliterated the spinal canal. After laminectomy at T12-L1 and dural incision, a 20 mm dark-bluish, mulberry-like tumor was seen, displacing the cauda equina circumferentially. After total removal of this tumor, four more small tumors were found adhering to different nerve roots, which were not resected. Histological examination revealed cavernous angioma. Although the postoperative course was uneventful, close observation of the residual tumors is required.